powers and borders key terminology

State

A area of land of an independent country with clear boundaries and a single government.

States need…

• defined territory that is internationally recognised

• Overall sovereignty over its territory

• Government recognised by other stats (usually UN)

• Can engage in formal international relations

• Independent and self-governing

• A permanent population that has the right to self-determination

Nation

A large group of people who have a large shared identity.

Nations need…

• language, history, shared culture, traditions

Nations don’t need…

• sovereignty (control over the area eg the kurds) unless they’re a nation state (nation that has a state of their own.

Sovereignty

Complete authority of the gov over the area and its people. “The gov has to have the authority over the people (internal sovereignty) and be recognised by other countries. Other countries cannot interfere with the internal running of a sovereign state”.

Territorial integrity

The area of land a state legitimately controls which cannot be violated. Important for stability and security (UN article 2.4)

State apparatus

Set of institutions and organisations through which state power is achieved. Some states can dominate and drive global systems, others can only respond to global change.